Oil, HardWax or Varnish on new American Oak flooring

[KeepBooks]

Hello,

I've just had new American Oak flooring fitted in a retail shop and my husband and I are going round and round in the discussion of what to use to finish it.

Being a retail shop, it needs to be hard-wearing, non-slippery, and preferably have the smallest darkening effect, in that we like the lightest possible "look" of the wood.

I'm voting "varnish", and the PV67 of Sadolin's looks a good option. I've used Sadolin products at home and have been pleased with it. Does anyone here have experience with it? Would it be a suitable finish for a retail shop? Does it darken the wood greatly?

My husband is voting "oil" (don't ask me what kind, he just gets a grumpy face now when I bring up the topic) based on the idea that when it starts to look worn or dirty it can just be sanded and re-oiled. He insists the varnished finish, once showing wear, will be impossible to re-finish.

Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated. I'd like to do the application myself, for the obviously savings in cost, but I also want it done "right" and does that require a professional to do?

Thanks in advance!
Linda

 

[WoodYouLike]

I'm voting with your husband For all the reasons he mentions, plus your floor will show its character better and become more beautiful over time (when properly maintained).

Others no doubt will come along and vote with you for varnish

Such is life - personal (professional) preferences

 

[KeepBooks]

Oh fine, now grumpy face will be replaced by smug face

Thank you for your reply!

Regarding an oil finish, what should I look for in a product? Are there any hints, tips, advice you may have on the different types/brands and method of application?

 

[WoodYouLike]

There are many brands out there, all doing the same thing: protection your wooden floor and making it more beautiful over time.

The main thing is to apply which ever brand you end up with (we can highly recommend both Blanchon and Saicos Premium HardWaxOil - in 4 sheens and quick drying) apply it as thin as possible and do apply the second coat within 36 - 48 hours.